Drilling Corian

[Simpo Two]

Might need to drill a Corian worktop to fit an undermounted soap dispenser.

Never worked with it before so what's the best way to cut a hole maybe 30mm diameter? I suspect slowly to stop burning/melting - is that right? And what bit is best please?

[allegro]

I would have thought a spade bit or hinge borer is best. Hole saws create too much friction

[Al-ambo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh_suFqphSA

[m4ckg]

one thing to remember is that the hole has to be perfectlt smooth, if it isn't it may invalidate the warranty

[Simpo Two]

OK, well that doesn't seem difficult!

Didn't know there was a warranty; this is fitted in a boat so I don't think it matters too much.

Thanks for the info.

[mildmannered]

If I can offer one tip.

Drill out the hole for the pilot bit first with a standard bit the same size or slightly smaller.

Many reasons.

Afterwards, you can see underneath exactly where the finished hole will be, and may give you a second chance if you uncover any clearance issues.

The pilot bits that I have used aren't as good as standard drill bits, they have very steep angled flutes and I have snapped them before now.

If you are trying to drill the pilot hole the same time as the larger hole, it is more likely to jump out.

The video demonstration doesn't mention it, but does shows how to apply a circular rotation whilst drilling - This provides clearance for the saw teeth to avoid the thing from binding (it may have at the end but I couldn't bear listening to the guy any longer...)

It may be worth clamping some ply over the top and drilling through that and the corian at the same time - In case you do slip.

I've drilled a few 127mm holes in radar arches on brand new before. I did hear of one guy that cut to the outer edge of the template once!!!

[singlecoil]

Corian is basically the same stuff as Perspex on with a mineral filler. I've drilled it, sawn it and routed it all without difficulty.

Ordinary drill bit will do nicely. If the material is really thin, and you think there is a danger of cracking, then run the drill barkwards (it does work). The friction will warm the material and make it softer, therefore less likely to crack.